The Canon A1200 is probably as close as you will get to your personal "ideal" camera, meeting requirements #3, #5, and #7. #1 and #2 you would have to decide for yourself, it does not have #4 and #6 it is not rated for any particular ruggedness.
If you dropped your requirements for an optical viewfinder and AA batteries, you would have more choices. Manufacturers have dropped optical viewfinders because most people have grown accustomed to not having it, and proprietary batteries hold much more power for the size. When you use Alkaline batteries in cameras, they often have a very short life.
Hi folks,
I need a new camera that:
1) is dummy proof
2) buttons that are friendly to stubby fingers
3) Has an optical view finder
4) Has an image stabilisor (??)
5) uses normal batteries
6) shock/water proof to an extent that rain or pitching on the car seat won't hurt it
7) Priced to avoid a broken heart if it's broke..
Any tips are appreciated.
Thanks, Dave

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